Thread: Multiple Audio Output

I am looking for a way to have multiple audio outputs. I would like to have one going to the main cabin via an amplifier, and a second (and maybe third) going to headset jacks in the rear of the vehicle. Each audio output has different content being delivered. E.g. The main cabin might be watching/listening to a DVD, while the guy in the back is listening to MP3s, and his sister is also listening to MP3s (different ones).

The problem here is that for each application that is fired up, I need to have a different audio output. This is no different than for example having a different shell for each user in a Unix box, except that even Unix boxes only allow audio for the person sitting at the console.

I am comfortable using any OS, I just need a way to install 2-3 sound cards (or one soundcard with multiple output channels) and then tell each application as it starts up which sound card to use for dumping audio. I was thinking of using Linux/FreeBSD, MServ (MP3s), xawtv (DVD), and ??? for AM/FM Tuner.

All of this stems from the fact that I have a Land Rover Discovery Series II that has headset jacks, volume control, and mode (CD, Tape, Radio) controls for each of the two users that sit in the jump seats in the very back of the truck. I am going to completely remove the headunit to put in a touchscreen LCD, and want all carputer functionality inside of the computer to be available to the users in the very back. See http://www.disco2.com/tech/bodyelec/ice.phtml for details of my existing system.

Thanks for any suggestions/ideas you might have. I will post a summary of any responses that I receive.

--Craig